Gabriel Martinelli is set to swap North London for Saudi Arabia as Al Hilal have finalized a verbal agreement with Arsenal to acquire the Brazilian winger. The deal, valued at a total package exceeding €65 million including add-ons, brings an end to the 25-year-old’s tenure at the Emirates Stadium. Having accepted Al Hilal’s contract offer several days ago after falling out of favor in Mikel Arteta’s primary plans, Martinelli has now received formal authorization from Arsenal to travel within the next 24 hours to complete medical examinations and sign his long-term contract.
The acquisition of Martinelli marks another major move for the 21-time Saudi Pro League champions. Al Hilal have relentlessly pursued offensive reinforcements ahead of the transfer deadline, executing a clear dual-attacker strategy. Alongside Martinelli, the Saudi club has also sealed a £50 million deal to sign Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins. By pairing the dynamic Brazilian winger with the England international, Al Hilal have dramatically reshaped their front line ahead of the upcoming campaign at the Kingdom Arena.
For Arsenal, Martinelli’s departure represents part of a significant roster overhaul before the transfer window closes. The forward originally arrived in North London from Brazilian outfit Ituano in 2019, growing into a core figure over his six-year spell at the club. However, shifting tactical priorities gradually reduced his role. His exit comes in tandem with that of fellow Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus, who has also been authorized to leave Arsenal after securing a move to Barcelona in a package worth €10 million plus add-ons.
The swift succession of outgoing transfers has created immediate ripple effects across European football. Aston Villa have already moved to replace the outgoing Watkins by agreeing to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson for £65 million, with the Senegal international having already completed his medical. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s management has cleared substantial space in their squad as the club approves final transfer formalities across multiple deals before the deadline.
Martinelli’s transfer to the Kingdom Arena culminates a week of intensive negotiations between Arsenal and Al Hilal. With official travel permission granted, the winger will undergo his medical tests shortly before putting pen to paper on his contract, officially concluding his time in North London as he begins the next chapter of his career in the Saudi Pro League.
